Is multi-factor authentication offered, and is it mandatory or optional?
Answered for 11 of 12 firms. Published security documentation
AJ BELL MANAGEMENT LIMITED
Stated by the firmYou can choose to set up and use 2FA via email, authenticator app or both, as well as remove and update these as required.
AJ Bell Investcentre states that advisers can choose to set up and use two-factor authentication via email, authenticator app or both, and can remove and update these as required.
Published by the firm · AJ Bell Management Limited · Check the source
DIGITAL MONEYBOX LIMITED
Stated by the firmTwo-factor authentication When you register for an account with us, we mark your mobile device (app users) or web browser (website users) as “trusted”. This means that if you log into your account on a new device or browser, you’ll be prompted to verify this new login via email, and you won’t be able to access your account until you do.
Moneybox states it uses two-factor authentication, marking devices or browsers as trusted and requiring verification via email when logging in from a new device or browser.
Published by the firm · Digital Moneybox Limited · Two-factor authentication · Check the source
FREETRADE LIMITED
Stated by the firmYou can choose to use both SMS text message and/or an authenticator app.
The support article states that users can choose to use SMS text message and/or an authenticator app for two-factor authentication.
Published by the firm · Freetrade Limited · Check the source
We’ve introduced a new login method on Freetrade Web using SMS-based multi-factor authentication (MFA) . This provides a secure and convenient alternative to using an authenticator app.
The support article states that SMS-based multi-factor authentication is offered as a login method for Freetrade Web, as an alternative to an authenticator app.
Published by the firm · Freetrade Limited · Check the source
Next time you login, you can choose an authenticator app or SMS based authentication method to log in.
The document states that after setup, users can select either an authenticator app or SMS-based authentication method to log in, indicating the MFA method is optional/selectable.
Published by the firm · Freetrade Limited · Check the source
All Freetrade customers with Web access can now opt to use SMS as their second authentication method during login.
The document states that customers can choose to opt in to SMS as their second authentication method.
Published by the firm · Freetrade Limited · Check the source
HARGREAVES LANSDOWN ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED
Stated by the firmIf you have multi-factor authentication enabled, we may also send a verification code to your preferred phone number by SMS or call back.
The app login guide states that if multi-factor authentication is enabled, a verification code may be sent to the user's preferred phone number by SMS or call back.
Published by the firm · Hargreaves Lansdown Asset Management Limited · How to log in on the app · Check the source
IG MARKETS LIMITED
Stated by the firmTwo-factor authentication (2FA) provides a second security layer for your account, protecting against unauthorized access by requiring a separate one-time password (OTP) when you log in.
The document states that two-factor authentication provides a second security layer requiring a one-time password at login.
Published by the firm · IG Markets Limited · How do I protect my account with two-factor authentication? · Check the source
No, but we strongly recommend it for all accounts to ensure maximum security.
The document states that two-factor authentication is not mandatory, but is strongly recommended for all accounts.
Published by the firm · IG Markets Limited · Frequently Asked Questions · Check the source
Two-factor authentication (2FA) provides a second security layer for your account, protecting against unauthorized access by requiring a separate one-time password (OTP) when you log in.
The document states that two-factor authentication provides a second security layer requiring a one-time password when logging in.
Published by the firm · IG Markets Limited · How do I protect my account with two-factor authentication? · Check the source
No, but we strongly recommend it for all accounts to ensure maximum security.
IG's help centre states that two-factor authentication is not mandatory but is strongly recommended for all accounts.
Published by the firm · IG Markets Limited · Frequently Asked Questions - Is 2FA mandatory? · Check the source
You will be required to set up a method of multi-factor authentication in order to use Transact Online.
The terms state that the customer will be required to set up a method of multi-factor authentication in order to use Transact Online.
Binding document · Integrated Financial Arrangements Ltd · clause 3.1(10) · Check the source
through the Password-protected and multi-factor authenticated pages of Transact Online and take note of any notifications, updates or announcements on these pages
The terms state that clients should check their Portfolio through the Password-protected and multi-factor authenticated pages of Transact Online.
Binding document · Integrated Financial Arrangements Ltd · 6.1 Transact Online · Check the source
J.P. MORGAN PERSONAL INVESTING LIMITED
Stated by the firmwe offer 2-step verification to further secure your account
The FAQ states that the company offers 2-step verification to further secure accounts.
Published by the firm · J.P. Morgan Personal Investing Limited · How secure is it? · Check the source
MONZO BANK LIMITED
Stated by the firmBy default we ask you for your Monzo PIN. If you enable biometrics for authentication (Face ID or Touch ID on Apple devices) then you can also authorise payments and other sensitive actions with your fingerprint or face.
The document states that biometric authentication is optional, with PIN as the default authentication method for payments.
Published by the firm · Monzo Bank Limited · Check the source
By default we ask you for your Monzo PIN. If you enable biometrics for authentication (Face ID or Touch ID on Apple devices) then you can also authorise payments and other sensitive actions with your fingerprint or face.
The document states that biometric authentication (Face ID or Touch ID) is an optional feature that users can enable in addition to the default PIN authentication for payments.
Published by the firm · Monzo Bank Limited · Check the source
STARLING BANK LIMITED
Verifiedsome transactions might need a passcode or for you to use biometric data (e.g. a fingerprint).
The document states that some transactions might require a passcode or biometric data such as a fingerprint as part of security checks.
Binding document · Starling Bank Limited · Check the source
Sometimes, we may ask you to complete two different security checks before we make a payment.
The document states that customers may sometimes be asked to complete two different security checks before a payment is made.
Binding document · Starling Bank Limited · Check the source
TRADING 212 UK LIMITED
Stated by the firmThe Two-factor authentication is a mandatory extra layer of security in your Trading 212 account.
The document states that Two-factor authentication is a mandatory extra layer of security on the Trading 212 account.
Published by the firm · Trading 212 UK Limited · Check the source
2FA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second verification step when logging in.
The document explains that 2FA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second verification step when logging in.
Published by the firm · Trading 212 UK Limited · Check the source
WISE PAYMENTS LIMITED
VerifiedDo anything which may in any way avoid or compromise the 2-step authentication process.
The Customer Agreement prohibits customers from doing anything to avoid or compromise the 2-step authentication process, indicating that 2-step authentication is a security feature available on Wise accounts.
Binding document · Wise Payments Limited · Check the source
Set up 2-step authentication, if applicable.
The customer agreement lists setting up 2-step authentication, where applicable, among the steps a customer should take when accessing their account.
Binding document · Wise Payments Limited · section 7.2, Staying Safe While Using Our Services · Check the source
REVOLUT LTD
Not foundNo qualifying source was located within the evidence window. This records what we could not confirm, and carries no inference about the firm.
Every firm here was asked the same question against the same published standard, and every answer quotes the passage it came from. Where the answers differ, the difference is in the firms’ own documents, not in how we read them.
Darker text marks stronger evidence. A statutory register prints at full strength; a firm’s own marketing prints lighter. The methodology sets out the weightings.